Review Centre: Jazz Bands

"The grand central trio are a brilliant band to work with. Never late (always early), highly professional, polite and all round a top bunch of guys, as a business owner I couldn’t recommend them more highly. The jazz they play if absolutely brilliant and our guests always love their sets, and we are always fully booked when they come to town. If you want a band that exceeds all expectations these are the guys to book. Feel free to contact @maddogsandenglishmen if you need a recommendation for them. Thanks guys for all you do for us!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"You were great and it went down really well with the guests!"

Reply by Rory
Great news re: Gaucho!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Swing Outs were professional, courteous and easy to deal with. Their live jazz music provided the perfect backdrop for a convivial evening. Would recommend highly."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"One of the pleasures of writing for Jazz Views is having the opportunity to follow the progress of an artist with each new release. It has been my very great pleasure to follow Lush Jazz Band's progress over the last few years. Having reviewed Lauren’s debut album, in 2016 and the follow-up, five years later, it was with great interest that I listened to her third album. If you’re looking for continued growth and artistic development in a musician, then Lauren has certainly delivered. Earlier today, prior to writing this review, I listened again to all three albums back-to-back and was amazed at what I was hearing. Listening in such a concentrated way, I was struck by how consistent each of the albums is and how the vocalist’s progress is not taking place with gargantuan leaps but steadily, as we can see here, in a paced and sustainable development. One huge advantage for Lauren is retaining the services of pianist Liam Dunachie, who arranges much of the music, and the two have built a solid rapport that has resulted in a formidable partnership. With “Tide Rises,” Lauren Bush has found a perfect balance between the old and the new, with a couple of strong original compositions, a handful of standards, and some contemporary works that she has done a wonderful job of adapting to her voice. The album gets off to a stunning start with a brisk and swinging “Joy Spring.” The tricky lyrics are handled with great aplomb by Bush, and after a lovely solo from Dunachie, she gets in a nice scat chorus of her own. This is followed by the title track, one of two original compositions, in which Lauren has drawn inspiration for the lyrics from the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Played over an ethereal opening from Rhodes and guitar (and the only song to feature electric bass), the music evolves over a gentle tempo with an empowering delivery from Lauren. The other original, “Easy Does It,” has a relaxed, almost lazy tempo, and Lauren has written lyrics that add to the gospel flavor of the music. Versatility and variety being the name of the game, we are treated to a beautiful bossa nova written by Earl Okin titled “Madrugada,” and Joni Mitchell’s “Circle Game” is given a delightful treatment, with some exquisite playing from all. The music flows in a beguiling manner, and Mitchell’s lyrics are given a sensitive reading by the vocalist. Standards have been a constant inspiration for Lauren, and with the depth of maturity that she has gained in the last few years, I have witnessed her raise her game significantly. It is difficult to pick one over another. Her treatment of “Oh What A Beautiful Morning” is flawless and joyous, with a lovely scat solo too, and “Nobody Else But Me” has a charm all of its own. If proof is needed of Bush’s stature as a jazz vocalist, then take a listen to the ballad performance on “This Is Always.” A duet for voice and piano, this is a pure delight and even, dare I say it, surpasses the duo’s reading of “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most,” which was such a highlight of her last album, “Dream Away.” Closing with another contemporary tune, this time from the pop duo Yazoo, Lauren and Liam Dunachie cleverly recast Vince Clarke’s song, with Lauren giving the excellent Alison Moyet a run for her money. Another step forward for Lauren in a hugely enjoyable set that sees her setting the bar increasingly higher."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Swing gitan were amazing and would definitely recommend them! Very talented and nice chaps to boot. We got lots of compliments from our guests about how good they were. Thanks guys!!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rory and his jazz quartet were fantastic and helped to add a bit more elegance to the evening's proceedings. They were very professional and knew exactly what suited the mood, which made my job easier and the evening was a great success. Thank you again. Excel Publishing Co Ltd., October 2011"

Reply by Rory
Hi Amber, This is perfect - thank you! Take care and best wishes, Rory

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My Dad loves jazz, so when I saw Dave performing by chance I asked him if he'd be available for his 80th birthday do. My Dad was chuffed to bits - especially when they threw in a couple of his requests on the night too!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Beautiful set that was so in keeping with the vibe and setting for our Wedding Brunch...seeing our mother sat beside them swaying along was priceless- thanks guys! x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It's hard to put into words just how fantastic Jazz Eclipse were on our wedding day. They’re both truly incredible musicians that sounded so fantastic and being an acoustic duo didn’t stop them from bringing the party! I think if anyone is looking for amazing music that sounds like the demos alongside talent, kindness and great communication then look no further these are the guys for the job!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I hope you are well. I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you so much for performing for me at my Birthday celebrations. You were truly amazing and the reactions from my friends were beyond belief. Emotions were high after such a strange year for us all and then you came along and took it to another level. The staff at Ardington House have seen hundreds of artists perform there over the years and without doubt said you were the best they had ever heard. I will be recommending you at every opportunity to my clients and network of contacts. Thank you so much again"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Love for Sale John, Karen and Ennio were absolutely fantastic: they were meant to be a surprise for my husband 40th birthday party and it all worked very well! They have been professional, organised, accommodating, punctual and, most importantly...they played fabulous music! The guests raved about their jazz, they definitely made the event a special one."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hired Lauren at the last minute and she communicated very promptly to all my queries. We were over the moon with her performance. From start to finish a true professional! She sang beautifully and has an excellent repetoire of songs even managing a few Latino numbers for our Spanish guests. She created a speak easy jazzy tone for our wedding drinks and many guests were also very complimentary. She is a versatile, talented and true professional. I would have no hesitation in recommending Lauren. Thank so much for making our day so special. You really helped to get the party started! X"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Tara played at our wedding and she was truly amazing. Several guests commented on how beautifully she played the harp and sung. Thank you Tara for helping us make our day special!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We booked Victoria for our wedding. From the first point of contact to our special day, Victoria was truly professional. When Victoria started to sing she wowed our guests and the staff at The Secret Garden. Victoria really played a big part in making our special day perfect. We can’t recommend her enough and wish her every success in the future, she deserves it!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi! Please tell the band that we absolutely loved the music!! They were made the evening so very special for us. We couldn't have been happier!! We will recommend them to everyone!!! Many thanks!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: